What Not to Mix with Lactic Acid?
When using products containing lactic acid and other AHAs, it is best not to use them with vitamin C. This is because the mixture of these acids can cause an imbalance in the pH of the skin, rendering each ingredient useless.
Sometimes it seems strange when you think about how a derivative of sour milk can produce incredibly impressive skin results. But that is exactly what lactic acid is, and its benefits have been known for centuries. It is known as the gentlest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is suitable for almost all skin types, each with specific benefits when using chemical peels in your daily skincare routine.
What Not to Use Lactic Acid for?
Many people like to use it in toners or similar products, but this acid is not limited to skin exfoliation. Lactic acid also has hydrating properties, which means it can balance the skin by drawing moisture from the surrounding area and moisture from the skincare formula into the skin. This allows AHAs to be incorporated into other skin and body products, such as gentle cleansers, hand creams, and body moisturizers.
As you can see, it’s a very versatile ingredient, and its structure ensures that it remains gentle on the skin, while the large molecules prevent it from penetrating too deeply into the lower layers of the skin, which could cause irritation. As for what you shouldn’t do with lactic acid, there’s really not much that this all-rounder can’t do. Even though lactic acid is gentle on the skin, it’s always a good idea to do a 24-hour patch test before using the product to ensure that there won’t be any rashes or irritations.
Can Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid be used together?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that every skin type can use. Due to its high water content and moisturizing properties, you’d be crazy not to add this ingredient to your daily routine. When you combine hyaluronic acid and lactic acid together, you’re essentially preparing your skin for continuous hydration throughout the day, thanks to the moisturizing properties of both ingredients. But you’ll also find that using lactic acid to remove dead skin cells from the skin clears the way for hyaluronic acid to reach the lower layers of the skin and work its magic.
This will allow you to see results faster, such as B. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keep the skin’s protective barrier fully functional, and be able to fight damage caused by free radicals that the face is exposed to every day.
Can Lactic Acid and Vitamin C be used together?
Yes and no, Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that is valued by many for its skin-brightening and rejuvenating properties. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C can fight signs of dark spots by working in the lower layers of the skin and preventing excess pigmentation from reaching the surface.
The only problem is that a mixture of lactic acid and vitamin C can be too harsh on the skin. Many skin care experts recommend using these powerful ingredients together if you leave enough time between uses. Alternatively, you can alternate between each formula, such as choosing to use a vitamin C-rich serum in the morning and lactic acid in the evening.
Using these ingredients in this way makes vitamin C a perfect team partner for lactic acid, as each ingredient targets similar skin concerns while working on different areas of the skin. So, using Vitamin C and lactic acid will not only restore your skin to a healthy, youthful glow, but it will also provide your skin with the protection it needs from the elements and daily aggressors.
Can I use lactic acid every night?
Yes, you can use lactic acid every night. The exfoliating properties of this AHA are fairly gentle and can remove all the impurities, dirt, and debris that your skin has accumulated throughout the day. The moisturizing properties of lactic acid are also very useful when used at night to restore the proper moisture levels of the skin barrier. This not only accelerates the effectiveness of other ingredients once they are applied to the skin, but also repairs any damage that the skin has sustained during the day.
Depending on your skin type, I would initially recommend using lactic acid once a week in the evening. Over time, as your skin develops a tolerance to the ingredient, you can move up to using it twice a day.
Do I need to apply a moisturizer after using lactic acid?
Yes, it is considered beneficial to apply a moisturizer after using lactic acid. The main benefit of moisturizers is not only the formula and active ingredients, but they are also a skincare product that creates a physical protective barrier on the outer surface of the skin. By ensuring your skin’s epidermis is fully functioning with the right amount of water and oil, you’ll find that your skin is able to resist any damage that may come in contact with your face throughout the day. I’m referring to pollution, UV radiation, central heating and bad weather, all of which can weaken the skin barrier and make various skin issues more likely to occur. As you can see, applying a moisturizer after using lactic acid will keep your skin healthy and prevent this from happening, and allow the acid to undisturbedly come into contact with potential skin damage.
How long does it take for lactic acid to work?
Generally speaking, you’ll see noticeable changes in your skin after using lactic acid 4-6 times as part of your skincare routine. As far as chemical peels go, an average of 2 treatments 1-2 months apart will result in better looking and feeling skin overall. Luckily, lactic acid is gentle enough to be used daily, but remember that the results won’t be seen overnight. So try not to overdo it with the acid as it can cause irritation.
Here are some insights on what you can and can’t mix with lactic acid. Don’t forget to visit my Procoal Instagram account.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
